Nationwide customers waking up to free £175 in bank account for Christmas

Nationwide is sending free £175 payments to customers in a handy boost ahead of Christmas. As part of a new offer, the building society, whch is the UK's biggest, says customers can switch a non-Nationwide bank account with at least two active Direct Debits to it for the cash.

Switch online, close your non-Nationwide bank account when you switch, and complete your switch within 28 days. And within 31 days of requesting the switch, you need to put at least £1,000 into the account, not counting transfers from other Nationwide accounts or Visa credits.

You also need to pay for something once using your debit card. Some transactions - like gambling - don’t count towards this, so make sure you check the terms. The building society said: "You can get £175 by switching to a FlexPlus, FlexDirect or FlexAccount.

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"If you already have one of these bank accounts, you can still switch over your non-Nationwide bank account and get £175 if you log in to our internet bank. You'll still need to meet the other qualifying criteria for the offer." But be careful - because things NOT included in the switch include bills and subscriptions you pay with your debit card, such as Netflix and Amazon Prime. (You’ll need to give them your new debit card number.)

Any arranged overdraft you have, mobile payments like Apple Pay, your transaction history, sweeping payment arrangements and access to your financial data are also not included. Nationwide stated: "You will only be eligible for this offer on your first sole current account and first joint current account that you switched to us since 18 August 2021, and that have not benefited from this or any previous current account online switch offer.

"The switch must be completed within 28 days of you requesting it."